A List of Essential Oils to Avoid

Welcome back to all my followers and to my new visitors.  I really hope you will continue to follow this blog because it does offer really interesting information and useful healing tips and suggestions.

Today I want to talk about which essential oils you DO NOT want to use! 

There are huge benefits to using essential oils for healing, for balancing your emotions, for improving your skin, for relaxing, for energizing, and for all the positive effects which I have already mentioned in previous posts.  But there are certain essential oils that can be hazardous to your health.  Remember the old adage, "Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe."

Some oils are considered toxic.  Some oils have not been tested to the extent that measures if the side effects are significantly less than the benefits.  This list is on the conservative side whenever questionable....You can't be too careful when dealing with the health of yourself and your family.

Do not use or experiment with the following essential oils:

1.    Ajowan
2.    Arnica
3.    Bitter Almond
4.    Boldo Leaf
5.    Calamus
6.    Camphor  (Yellow or Brown)
7.    Caraway
8.    Cassia
9.    Cinnamon

10.  Clove

11.  Elecampane root

12.  Horseradish

13.  Jaborandi

14.  Mugwort

15.  Mustard

16.  Parsley Seed

17.  Pennyroyal

18. Peru Balsam
19.  Rue
10.  Sage
11.  Sassafras
12.  Savin
13.  Savory
14.  Santolina
15.  Southernwood
16.  Tansy
17.  Thuja
18.  Tonka Bean
19.  Wintergreen
20.  Wormseed

21.  Wormswood

mustard plant...completely safe

* As a precaution, you should not use any aromatherapy products during the first trimester of pregnancy.  This is being overly cautious.  But it is better not to  use anything medicinal during this time, natural or not.

Now, remember, these are the toxic essential oils and nothing else.  Don't think that the herb Sage or the spices Mustard, Clove, or Cinnamon are toxic.  Only the essential oils of these particular items are toxic.  Don't be afraid to eat Caraway seeds.  The originating plant is not toxic, only the essential oil.  It takes many, many, many plants to distill to produce one ounce of essential oil.  The essential oils are the very concentrated by-products of a scientific distillation process using the original plants.  Essential oils do not appear in nature in large quantities or as being able to be seen by the naked eye.  They are microscopic!

cinnamon stick & spice...very safe

Because essential oils are so highly concentrated, it is best to use oils in a very diluted form.  The exceptions to this rule are lavender and tea tree oil which can be used directly on the skin with no irritation.  I have discussed the beauty of the healing properties of both of these oils in previous posts.  These oils are considered safe to be used "straight" or "neat" which means without dilution.  But as a general rule of thumb, always dilute your essential oils with water or a carrier oil such as sunflower oil, olive oil, canola oil, or jojoba oil. Also do not overuse the oils.  Oil recipes and mixtures will only call for a small amount of drops.  Large amounts sometimes cause the opposite effect.  As an example, even a very safe oil such as lavender when used in a high concentration can cause the opposite effect of its intended use of relaxation and restfulness

Using essential oils in small quantities and in a diluted form will bring about many, many treatment for known conditions and ailments.  Aromatherapy is a beautiful science of health and perfumery.  As with any other science, there are certain essential oils to avoid when taking your stroll into the world of aromatherapy.  With this knowledge you will be able to go forward and start your experimentation the benefits of essential oils.

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have on this topic or any other aromatherapy topic.  I will be glad to answer any questions which you may have.

Thanks for clicking in, and please come back.  I've got lots more interesting topics to discuss!  See you soon!